The FBI probe was made public the same day that veteran City Councilman Ron Clifton resigned, citing "personal reasons." Neither Yarbrough nor either federal agency connected the resignation to the investigation.

Responding to a reporter's call Wednesday night, Clifton was asked about the FBI investigation.

"I wouldn't be able to comment on that. It's personal issues with me at this time," he said, regarding his resignation. "... It's personal reasons is all that it amounts to, a bunch of things, family and business and that's pretty much it."

Clifton, a 41-year-old real estate and investment broker, became interim mayor after the sudden death of Blaine O'Neal last April.

Mayor George Locke, who was sworn in last September, said Clifton's resignation "came out of the blue for me."

"I have no comment whatsoever," he said. "I have no idea why. You'll have to take it up with Ron."

Clifton had missed the last two council meetings, and a third could have resulted in losing the seat he has held since 1994, according to South Daytona's charter. Council members make $9,000 a year.